WORK on Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) new ‘bus priority package’ in neighbourhoods surrounding Oxford Road, one of Europe’s busiest public transport routes, is to begin on Monday 20 January.
"The sustainable transport and road safety improvements will benefit Manchester for decades to come."
The improvements, taking place on routes parallel to Oxford Road on Upper Brook Street, Higher Cambridge Street, Lloyd Street North, Upper Lloyd Street and Claremont Road shall include road and pavement widening and resurfacing, improvements for cyclists, improvements to bus-stops, junctions, pedestrian crossings, street lighting, trees and 20mph restrictions put in place.
The complementary work in the surrounding areas shall take place before work starts on Oxford Road itself. Which can be seen here in this happy short video:
Improvement areas
The work, which will exclude private cars from large sections of Oxford Road, have been designed to create a safer and more efficient transport system. Cyclists will benefit from cycle lanes that run around the back of bus stops, avoiding having to overtake buses as they stop and pull off.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “These measures will benefit everyone who uses these streets, with highway and pedestrian safety, junctions and traffic conditions all targeted for improvement.
“As well as benefiting local communities the scheme also supports our proposals to improve conditions for bus users, cyclists and pedestrians along Oxford Road.
“I’d like to thank local residents and businesses for bearing with us while these works take place. There will be some short term disruption to journeys through the area but ultimately the sustainable transport and road safety improvements will benefit Manchester for decades to come.”
Needless to say, expect delays.
TfGM staff will be answering questions about the project at ASDA Hulme (16 January 12-5pm).
Up-to-date information on the work is available from Manchester City Council on 0161 908 5800, by visiting www.manchester.gov.uk/roadworks or by email at manchester.contracts@manchester.gov.uk.
The proposals have been developed in consultation with Manchester City Council and align with the wider Transport Strategy for Manchester City Centre.
